Black throughout with a thin, creamy, light brown head that leaves behind a thin ring all the way down the glass, leaving irregular webs of lace. This is a very pretty imperial stout--gorgeous, really.

Bold roast aroma dominates, with a bit of ash and char as well. There's mild dark fruit character along with a hint of alcohol, but the bold, expressive, roasted malt is more than dominant.

The flavor is similar to the aroma, though slightly more complex. The roasted malt shines again, with a bit of a grainy chocolate flavor as well, along with alcohol warmth.

Taste, wow, chewy, big malt base eats up all the alcohol perceptibility. Serious bitter notes. Not very sweet, we're talkin' that dark baker's chocolate that offers just as much bitterness as it does sweetness. The liquid fits the description of "coating" the mouth. Silky and bitter at the same time. Carbonation is spot on, a little lower than other offerings at the brewery.

Just a massive straight up stout with tons of two row, and keeps the chocolate and coffee to a minimum. Never picked up on any wood in the taste. Pretty substantial stuff, and yet, enjoyable to drink throughout. (835 characters)